Problems We Found In Boston's Drinking Water

For our 2018 Boston water quality issues report, we collected water quality test data from from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the Environmental Protection Agency. We cross referenced these data with toxicity studies, scientific reports, and medical literature to determine information that we believe the public should be made aware of. The water filters that we offer in Boston and are optimized with this research in mind.

Where Does Boston Source Its Drinking Water?

Boston sources its tap and drinking water from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, both of which are over 35 miles west of the city. These two reservoirs combined supply 200 million gallons of water on a daily basis. Water from the Ware River can also be added to the drinking water supply if needed.

Lead in Boston’s Drinking Water

Lead enters Boston's tap water through old lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. Although Boston’s water sources and the water leaving the treatment facilities is lead free, consumers can still be at risk of lead exposure. Houses built after 1986 were most likely built with lead plumbing and lead fixtures. The MWRA detected an average level of lead of 8.6 parts per billion which is in compliance with the federal Action Level of 15 parts per billion. EPA and CDC both recognize that there is no safe level of lead, especially for children. That being said, any threshold of lead concentration is not safe for infants and young children.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Boston’s Drinking Water

Disinfection Byproducts are a category of emerging contaminants which means they have been detected in drinking water but the risk to human health is unknown. DBPs are formed when chlorine-based disinfectants are routinely added to the water supply to kill bacteria. DBPs are split into two categories: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids-5 (HAA5). Regulatory agencies have very little knowledge about the adverse health effects of DBPs, and their toxicity. EPA has stated that they have been linked to increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. Boston had relatively low levels of both TTHMs and HAA5.

It’s important to note that only a handful of contaminants are required to be included in annual Consumer Confidence Reports, and that there are hundreds of potentially harmful unregulated contaminants that aren’t accounted for. If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Boston's tap water quality issues, feel free to visitwww.hydroviv.com to talk to a Water Nerd on our live chat feature or send us an email at hello@hydroviv.com.